The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and a higher rating is sought. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.
The deciding factor: The July 2019 VA examination report was internally inconsistent regarding its findings on repetitive use testing, necessitating further clarification and a new examination.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20001686
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim to reopen the heart disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The effective date for PTSD was not granted earlier than March 14, 2014, as no formal or informal claim existed prior to that date.,The effective date for radiculopathy was not granted earlier than August 15, 2017, as the Veteran did not file a service connection claim prior to this date.,PTSD is now rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.,Hiatal hernia remains at a 10 percent rating with no indication of more severe symptoms.,Hypertension continues at a 10 percent rating without evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.,Osteoarthritis of lumbar spine remains at a 10 percent rating with no indication of forward flexion less than 60 degrees.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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